Edgecomb selectmen tentatively scheduled Saturday, Aug. 29 for a referendum-style town meeting. With the annual town meeting postponed from its traditional third Saturday in May due to COVID-19, selectmen for nearly three months considered a new date for an open town meeting. On June 15, selectmen opted for a referendum-style town meeting scheduled prior to Sept. 1 to approve the municipal budget prior to the tax commitment. “Let’s write this in pencil, but it looks like Aug. 29 will work for a referendum town meeting,” said Selectman Mike Smith. 

Nearly 70% of the municipal budget is school funding. Selectmen discussed with the school committee how it planned on spending approximately $350,000 in undesignated funds, or surplus. Committee Chairman Tom Abello explained unanticipated factors, mostly derived from the coronavirus, resulted in an accumulation of unspent funds: More tuition students from Alna and Westport Island, reduced transportation costs for a special needs student and two other student transportation needs, and overall reduced transportation costs due to distance learning. In recent months, school officials have discussed using the surplus to fix the 20-year old Edgecomb Eddy School roof. But Abello reported he preferred a hybrid approach in which a portion was used for repairs and tax relief. “The state and nation are in unchartered waters regarding the economic situation. We are in a lucky position with savings from this year, but I think we need to bring a budget in mind with the challenges taxpayers may face in the coming year. So I think we should take a balanced approach, and not put all the money into the roof,” he said. 

Smith  asked Abello if the state may reduce 2020-21 educational subsidies. Early projections showed Edgecomb would receive over $400,000 from the state. Abello is a senior policy advisor to Gov. Janet Mills. So far, he hasn’t heard anything from the governor’s office or Department of Education on subsidy reductions. “I think we should expect it until we hear something different,” Abello said. “It really depends upon how much money the state receives from the federal government in response to the economic crisis.”

Smith also requested the school committee meet with the teacher’s union to delay implementation of a new contract. Smith reported increased pay and benefits resulted in the school’s general education spending increasing by over $100,000 for next year.

“If you could  possibly discuss delaying the increase until the following year, this would help the taxpayers a great deal. Nobody knows how bad the economy will be, but this gives us some time to prepare for the consequences,” he said. Abello and school committee member Heather Sinclair agreed to meet with union officials prior to the new contract taking effect in September.

In other action, an Edgecomb property owner requested a street name change. Victoria Campbell of Whitefield owns property on Turkey Pond Trail which has only one other dwelling. Campbell plans on moving to the property near Shore Road. She requested the name change because she can’t get mail delivered to the address and she doesn't  like the name. She contacted the local code enforcement officer and a state official, but her request was denied. “I’m not really sure why,’ Campbell said. “The post office has no record of the road. I plan on moving here for the rest of my life, and the other residents want to change the name, too.” Campbell’s first choice for a new name is Sheepscot Bight (a nautical term). Selectmen tabled her request and will decide next meeting. 

Selectman Jack Sarmanian reported he expects an offer on the remaining Lallis property’s 78 acres. Resident James Schmal has been interested in buying the Lallis property for years. Edgecomb acquired the 80-acre property in 2004 through unpaid taxes. “I think we can expect an offer soon. I’ve spoken to the realtor,  and I think (Schmal is) ready to make an offer,” he said.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, June 29 in the town hall’s upstairs.